AFC East best teams by position
By Brian Miller
SAFETIES
Miami Dolphins
Dec 1, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Miami Dolphins strong safety Reshad Jones (20) celebrates after making an interception with under a minute left against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Reshad Jones had his best career season in 2014 and looks early in camp to be on the same pace. The Dolphins lost Louis Delmas to an ACL injury in a practice against the Carolina Panthers but the Dolphins are confident in second year player Walt Aikens and Michael Thomas to fill the role. Both players have shown a lot of potential. Prior to the injury to Delmas the Dolphins could easily boast the best duo in the deep secondary but now there are questions next to Jones, albeit questions that have good prospects to answer.
New York Jets
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets free safety Calvin Pryor (25) reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The best safety the Jets have is Calvin Pryor but Marcus Gilchrist plays well next to him. The Jets lack quality depth at the position and that could be a problem if injuries hit the unit. Like the corners the Jets safeties will benefit from strong play along the defensive line and linebackers taking some of the problems away.
New England Patriots
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) celebrates after the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Chung struggled early in his NFL career but he is becoming more consistent as he ages as safety. He is joined by Devin McCourty who played very well in 2014. The duo is one of the better units in the AFC East for certain and the only real questions surround the corners in front of them. Last year was easier on the unit with Revis and Brandon Browner were the starting corners. This year the deep secondary will need to play above last year to compensate for the weaker corner unit. That shouldn’t be a problem for a very solid veteran unit.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have a competition this year after losing Da’Norris Searcy one of last years starters. Aaron Williams returns however and will be tasked with defending some of the best receiver units across the board in the AFC East. The Bills are the weakest team in the division at the position.